The PCA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former ECB and Glamorgan Chief Executive, Hugh Morris MBE.
As a player Morris scored 28,391 runs across 588 professional matches scoring 79 centuries and won both County Championship and One Day silverware, alongside representing England in three Tests.
However, it was arguably off the pitch that Morris had a greater influence, the blonde-haired left-handed opening batter held multiple roles with the ECB, where he worked closely with the PCA, including Technical Coaching Director, acting Chief Executive and deputy Chief Executive, before being promoted to Chief Executive.
Morris helped set up the academy system based at Loughborough University before acting as Managing Director of English Cricket overseeing the implementation of central contracts through the Team England Player Partnership (TEPP), whilst managing the national side, highlighting his commitment to serving the best interests of the players.
He then returned to his native Glamorgan in 2013 as Chief Executive and Director of Cricket to help the club through some difficult times. His contribution to the Welsh county recognised in the renaming of their indoor school at Sophia Gardens as the Hugh Morris Cricket Centre.
The former Glamorgan captain was also a Trustee of the PCA Futures Fund, an initiative to aid the transition of players at the end of their playing careers to the next steps of their working life, a topic he was passionate about as a pioneer of creating a programme to support the personal development of cricketers to prepare themselves for a life beyond the field.
The incredible influence Morris had on our game was recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in her final Birthday Honour’s List as he was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to cricket and charity.
Morris passed away after bravely battling cancer aged 62, our sincere condolences go out to his friends and family.
PCA Managing Director, Ian Thomas, said: “Hugh Morris had a huge influence on modern day cricket through dedicating his life to the game he loved.
“Working closely with Hugh was a huge pleasure and his dedication to improving standards for professional cricketers was inspiring.
“Behind the scenes he was the individual who created the first programme in professional cricket to look after athletes education and preparing them for their future.
“He was also amongst the first trustees of the PCA Futures Fund, the system set up to support those players upon leaving the game, showing his passion to support people beyond the field.
“All our thoughts at the PCA are with Hugh’s family at this time.”
